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The Day of the Jackal poster

The Day of the Jackal (1973)

“Nameless, faceless... relentlessly moving towards the date with death that would rock the world.”

7.5/10 · 707 votes 2h 23m pg ActionThriller

#9 of 30 films from 1973 #230 of 2168 in action

Directed by Fred Zinnemann · Written by Kenneth Ross, Frederick Forsyth

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

An international assassin known as ‘The Jackal’ is employed by disgruntled French generals to kill President Charles de Gaulle, with a dedicated gendarme on the assassin’s trail.

Cast

Edward Foxas The Jackal
Terence Alexanderas Lloyd
Michel Auclairas Colonel Rolland
Alan Badelas the Minister
Tony Brittonas Inspector Thomas
Denis Careyas Casson
Cyril Cusackas Gunsmith
Maurice Denhamas General Colbert
Michael Lonsdaleas Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel
Vernon Dobtcheffas Interrogator
Jacques Françoisas Pascal
Olga Georges-Picotas Denise
Raymond Gérômeas Flavigny
Barrie Inghamas St. Clair

Facts

Release dateMay 16, 1973
Runtime143 min (2h 23m) — longer as the 1973 average of 110 min
GenresAction, Thriller
LanguageEN
Box office$16,056,255
IMDbtt0069947

More from Fred Zinnemann

High NoonHigh Noon1952 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 25m A Man for All SeasonsA Man for All Seasons1966 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 0m From Here to EternityFrom Here to Eternity1953 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 58m

If you liked The Day of the Jackal

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The WarriorsThe Warriors1979 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 34m The Taking of Pelham One Two ThreeThe Taking of Pelham One Two Three1974 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 45m Dirty HarryDirty Harry1971 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 42m SorcererSorcerer1977 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 2m The French ConnectionThe French Connection1971 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 44m DuelDuel1971 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 14m Mad Max 2Mad Max 21981 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 36m Assault on Precinct 13Assault on Precinct 131976 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 31m

Questions

How long is The Day of the Jackal?
The Day of the Jackal runs 143 minutes (2h 23m).
Is The Day of the Jackal worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 707 votes, which places it #9 of 30 films released in 1973 in this index (top 73%) and #230 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed The Day of the Jackal?
The Day of the Jackal was directed by Fred Zinnemann. Other well-rated titles by the same director: High Noon (1952), A Man for All Seasons (1966), From Here to Eternity (1953).
Who stars in The Day of the Jackal?
Edward Fox as The Jackal; Terence Alexander as Lloyd; Michel Auclair as Colonel Rolland; Alan Badel as the Minister; Tony Britton as Inspector Thomas; Denis Carey as Casson.
What is The Day of the Jackal rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Day of the Jackal?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/16725.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.